Brocade BigIron RX Series Configuration Guide User Manual
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BigIron RX Series Configuration Guide
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Convergence in a simple topology
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When Port2/Switch 2 receives the RST BPDUs, RSTP algorithm determines that the RST BPDUs the 
port received are better than those received on Port3/Switch 3; therefore, Port2/Switch 2 is given 
the role of a Root port. All the ports on Switch 2 are informed that a new Root port has been 
assigned which then signals all the ports to synchronize their roles and states. Port3/Switch 2, 
which was the previous Root port, enters a discarding state and negotiates with other ports on the 
bridge to establish its new role and state, until it finally assumes the role of a Designated port. 
Next, the following happens:
•
Port3/Switch 2, the Designated port, sends an RST BPDU, with a proposal flag to Port3/Switch 
3. 
•
Port2/Switch 2 also sends an RST BPDU with an agreed flag to Port2/Switch 1 and then 
places itself into a forwarding state.
When Port2/Switch 1 receives the RST BPDU with an agreed flag sent by Port2/Switch 2, it puts 
that port into a forwarding state. The topology is now fully converged.
When Port3/Switch 3 receives the RST BPDU that Port3/Switch 2 sent, RSTP algorithm determines 
that these RST BPDUs are superior to those that Port3/Switch 3 can transmit. Therefore, 
Port3/Switch 3 is given a new role, that of an Alternate port. Port3/Switch 3 immediately enters a 
discarding state. 
Now Port3/Switch 2 does not go into a forwarding state instantly like the Root port. It waits until the 
forward delay timer expires twice on that port while it is still in a Designated role, before it can 
proceed to the forwarding state. The wait, however, does not cause a denial of service, since the 
essential connectivity in the topology has already been established.
When fully restored, the topology is the same as that shown on
